Archos 101 8GB Android tablet

Lightweight, 10.1in Froyo fondle slab, anyone?

Power user?

Battery life is another impressive feature of the 101. Archos quote 36hrs of music, 7hrs of full-screen video or 10hrs of web browsing. I found those numbers to be pretty accurate, even with the Wi-Fi radio on, so a full day’s use won't be a struggle. Re-charge is from the mains adapter only and you get a 'Deep Sleep' setting that gives you instant-on reboot from hibernation.

A tablet worth taking

Verdict

For 270 quid, the 101 is a lot of tablet for the money, and for many people it will be a better investment than a similarly priced netbook, especially if watching video on the hoof is likely to be its main purpose. The full-size USB port is a very welcome feature and the lack of weight and girth make it a convenient, if potentially fragile, travelling companion. After living with the 101 for a while, I would quite happily trade in my Ubuntu-running Samsung N140 for it, which makes it the only tablet now on sale that I would actually spend my own hard-earned on. ®